Ladder stand and tree securement mechanism therefor

ABSTRACT

A securement mechanism for a ladder tree stand includes jaws pivotably attachable to a platform. When open, a tree can pass between the jaws. A strap assembly attaches to the jaws. A tension can be applied to the strap assembly from the ground before climbing the tree to pivot the jaws to close around the tree. The strap assembly can be anchored to the tree so that the jaws are pulled closed against the tree. A respective end portion of the strap assembly can attach to each of the jaws between its pivot axis and free end. The strap assembly can include a pivot strap secured to the jaws and a tensioning strap connected to the tree and secured to the pivot strap to slide along its length.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/949,129, filed on Nov. 23, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,010,068, issuedon Jul. 3, 2018, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD

The present invention generally relates to ladder supported tree standsfor hunters and more specifically to securement mechanisms for securinga ladder tree stand to a tree while standing on the ground.

BACKGROUND

Hunters frequently use tree stands that have elevated platforms toobserve and hunt wildlife. Ladder supported tree stands include laddersthat are attached to the platform and partially support the platform inuse. In general, ladder tree stands are used by leaning the tree standtoward a tree until the rear portion of the stand engages the tree andthe ladder is oriented generally upright. With conventional ladderstands, a hunter must climb the ladder to the platform before securingthe top end portion of the stand to the tree. The first time the hunterclimbs the ladder, the only connection between the stand and tree is theforce of the stand leaning against the tree. If the stand slips or tipsaway from the tree, there is no restraint to prevent the stand fromfalling and potentially injuring the hunter.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a ladder tree stand for supporting a sportsman at anelevated position above ground comprises a ladder assembly having a topend portion and a bottom end portion configured for engagement with theground. A platform has a front end portion and a rear end portion. Thefront end portion is secured to the top end portion of the ladderassembly. The tree stand is configured to lean toward a tree in asupport direction such that a portion of the tree stand away from thebottom portion of the ladder engages the tree to support the ladderassembly in a generally upright orientation with the platform positionedat the elevated position. A tree securement mechanism comprises at leastone securement member movably attached to the platform for selectivelymoving relative to the platform from an open position to a closedposition in which the securement member extends around at least aportion of the tree to engage the tree and restricts movement of theplatform with respect to the tree. An anchor is configured to be mountedon the tree at a position spaced apart between the elevated position andthe ground. A strap assembly comprises a strap configured to beoperatively connected to the anchor and the securement member to movethe securement member from the open position to the closed position whena tension is imparted upon the strap assembly. The strap is configuredfor being selectively tensioned to apply force to the anchor andsecurement member and move the securement member from the open positionto the closed position and comprises a tensioner operatively connectedto the strap to selectively maintain tension on a segment of the strapextending between the anchor and the securement member to hold thesecurement member in the closed position.

In another aspect, a tree securement mechanism is configured to secure aladder tree stand to a tree. The tree stand comprises a ladder assemblyand a platform configured to lean in a support direction against thetree. The tree securement mechanism comprises first and second jawsconfigured to be pivotally mounted on the platform in opposingrelationship to pivot relative to the platform between an open positionand a closed position. The first and second jaws in the open positiondefine a gap shaped and arranged so that the tree can pass through thegap when the tree stand is leaned toward the tree in the supportdirection. The first and second jaws in the closed position are shapedand arranged to grip the tree and hold the tree stand in place withrespect to the tree. A pivot strap has a first end portion, a second endportion, and a length extending between the first and second endportions. The first end portion is connected to the first jaw andconfigured to be selectively pulled to pivot the first jaw from the openposition to the closed position. The second end portion is connected tothe second jaw and configured to be selectively pulled to pivot thesecond jaw from the open position to the closed position. A tensioningstrap is slidably attached to the pivot strap to slide along the lengthof the pivot strap. The tensioning strap is configured to be tensionedto pull the pivot strap in a tensioning direction to pivot the first andsecond jaws from the open position toward the closed position until thefirst jaw engages the tree and is prevented from pivoting further towardthe closed position. Further tensioning of the tensioning strap pullsthe pivot strap further in the tensioning direction and also slides thetensioning strap along the length of the pivot strap to pivot the secondjaw toward the closed position after the first jaw engages the tree.

In another aspect, a tree securement mechanism is configured to secure aladder tree stand to a tree. The tree stand comprises a ladder assemblyand a platform configured to lean in a support direction against thetree. The tree securement mechanism comprises first and second jaws eachhaving a pivoting end portion, an opposite engagement end portion, and alength extending between the pivoting and engagement end portions. Thepivoting end portions of the first and second jaws are configured topivotally mount the first and second jaws on the platform in opposedrelationship to pivot relative to the platform between an open positionand a closed position. The first and second jaws in the open positiondefine a gap shaped and arranged so that the tree can pass through thegap when the tree stand is leaned toward the tree in the supportdirection. The first and second jaws in the closed position are shapedand arranged to grip the tree and hold the tree stand in place withrespect to the tree. A strap assembly comprises one or more strapsdefining a first strap end portion configured for being selectivelypulled to pivot the first jaw from the open position toward the closedposition and a second strap end portion configured for being selectivelypulled to pivot the second jaw from the open position toward the closedposition. The first strap end portion is attached to the first jaw at anattachment point located along the length of the first jaw between thepivoting end portion and the engagement end portion, and the secondstrap end portion is attached to the second jaw at an attachment pointlocated along the length of the second jaw between the pivoting endportion and the engagement end portion.

Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointedout hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a tree stand secured to a tree;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of the tree standincluding a strap routing member thereof;

FIG. 3A is an enlarged fragmentary underside perspective of the treestand and tree illustrating a tree securement mechanism thereof in anopen position;

FIG. 3B is the perspective of FIG. 3A but illustrating the treesecurement mechanism in a closed position;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of a platform of the tree stand;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary top perspective of the tree standillustrating the tree securement mechanism in the open position; and

FIG. 6 is an elevation of the tree stand illustrating the treesecurement mechanism securing the stand to the tree.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a ladder tree stand for supporting a sportsman atan elevated position above ground is generally indicated at referencenumber 10. The tree stand 10 includes a ladder assembly 12 and aplatform 14. The tree stand 10 is configured to lean toward a tree T ina support direction S until the platform 14 or another portion of thetree stand spaced apart from the bottom portion of the ladder assemblyengages the tree. The engagement between the tree T and platform 14supports the ladder 12 in a generally upright orientation, and theladder supports the platform at an elevated position. As will bediscussed in further detail below, the tree stand 10 further includes asecurement mechanism 16 configured to selectively grip the tree T. Whenactivated, the securement mechanism 16 restricts movement of theplatform 14 with respect to the tree T, including inhibiting the treestand from moving opposite the support direction S away from the tree.The securement mechanism 16 holds the platform 14 to the tree. Althoughthe tree stand 10 is shown incorporating the securement mechanism 16, itwill be understood that the securement mechanism could be a retrofitinstallment on an existing ladder tree stand without departing from thescope of the invention.

The ladder assembly 12 has a top end portion and a bottom end portionspaced apart along a height. The platform 14 is attached to the top endportion of the ladder assembly 12, and the bottom end portion isconfigured for engagement with the ground at a position spaced apartfrom the base of the tree T. In the illustrated embodiment, the ladderassembly 12 includes rungs extending laterally between two verticallyextending legs. But other embodiments which can use only a single leg,for example, extend upward along the centers of the rungs withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. Suitably, the ladder assembly12 can be a fully assembled ladder or can be formed from two or moreselectively separable and stackable ladder segments without departingfrom the scope of the invention.

The platform 14 has a front end portion secured to the top end portionof the ladder 12 and a rear end portion configured for engagement withthe tree T. In the illustrated embodiment, a seat 20 is mounted on theplatform 14. But in other embodiments, the platform does not include aseat to provide more room for standing on the platform. Otherstructures, such as a shooting rest (not shown), may be mounted on theplatform. Although not shown in the illustrated embodiment, the rear endportion of the platform 14 may define teeth or other structures forgripping the tree T. Referring to FIGS. 2-3B, a strap routing member 26is mounted on the front end portion of the platform 14. In theillustrated embodiment the strap routing member 26 is a U-shaped bracketthat is fixed to the front end portion of the platform 14 and defines achannel 27 for receiving a strap. Other types of strap routing memberscan also be used without departing from the scope of the invention.Suitably, the strap routing member 26 is configured to provide astructure about which a strap can turn under tension from a horizontallyextending segment to a more vertically extending segment. As will bediscussed in further detail below, the strap routing member isconfigured to route one or more straps of the tree securement mechanism16 toward a bottom end portion of the tree T.

Referring to FIG. 1, in addition to the securement mechanism 16, theillustrated tree stand 10 includes two other features that help secureit to the tree T. A standoff bracket 17 extends between the ladder 12and the tree T at a location spaced apart between the platform 14 andthe ground to support the ladder. As one skilled in the art willappreciate, ladders 12 can tend to bow inward under load. The standoffbracket 17 prevents the ladder from bowing inward by providing a supportfor the middle of the ladder 12, between the ladder 12 and the tree T.Although the standoff bracket 17 prevents the ladder 12 from bowinginward, it tends to push the upper end portion of the tree stand 10 awayfrom the tree T, which creates a need for improved securement to thetree before climbing the ladder. In addition to the standoff brackets17, two crossing straps 18 extend from the sides of the platform 14around the rear of the tree T and connect to the ladder 12 at a locationnear the ground. The crossing straps 18 can be attached to the platform14 before the tree stand 10 is leaned against the tree T. When the stand10 is leaned against the tree, the straps 18 hang down where a user canmanipulate them to cross them around the rear of the tree T and securethem to the ladder. Although this provides a measure of protectionagainst the stand 10 falling or slipping away from the tree T, it hasbeen found that the platform 14 can still shift around the circumferenceof the tree even after the straps 18 have been secured. Moreover,because the straps 18 engage the tree Tat a position below the platform14, the platform 14 can still tend to separate from the tree if thestand 10 begins to tip away.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-4, the tree securement mechanism 16 includesopposing first and second jaws 30, 31 that are pivotably mounted on therear end portion of the platform 14. The jaws 30, 31 are selectivelypivotable relative to the platform 14 from an open position (FIGS. 3Aand 4) in which the jaws define a gap 32 to a closed position (FIG. 3B)in which the jaws are configured to extend around at least a portion ofthe tree T. In the open position, the gap 32 is preferably shaped andarranged so that the tree T can pass through the gap when the tree stand10 is leaned toward the tree in the support direction S. In the closedposition, the jaws 30, 31 close or at least narrow the gap 32 and engagethe tree T to inhibit the tree stand 10 from slipping or falling awayfrom the tree. For example, the jaws 30, 31 are preferably shaped andarranged to grip the tree T and hold the tree stand 10 in place withrespect to the tree. In a preferred embodiment, the rear end portion ofthe platform 14 and the jaws 30, 31 extend circumferentially around thetree T in the closed position. In place of the jaws 30, 31, otherembodiments can include one or more suitable securement members of otherconfigurations that can selectively move relative to the platform toengage the tree and inhibit the tree stand from moving opposite thesupport direction away from the tree.

In the illustrated embodiment, the jaws 30, 31 each have a pivoting endportion 30A, 31A, an opposite engagement end portion 30B, 31B, and alength extending between the pivoting and engagement end portions. Thepivoting end portions 30A, 31A pivotably mount the first and second jaws30, 31 on the platform 14 in opposed relationship to pivot between theopen and closed positions. Any suitable jaw mount can be used to securethe jaws 30, 31 to the platform 14. As shown in FIG. 5, an exemplary jawmount secures the first jaw 30 to pivot relative to the platform 14about a first pivot axis P1 and the second jaw 31 to pivot relative tothe platform about a second pivot axis P2. In the illustratedembodiment, bolts 36 secure the jaws 30, 31 to the platform 14 forpivoting, and the pivot axes P1, P2 are coincident with the longitudinalaxes of the bolts. To install the jaws 30, 31 as a retrofit installationon a preexisting tree stand, it may be necessary to form holes in theplatform for receiving the bolts 36. The engagement end portions 30B,31B of the jaws 30, 31 are configured to define the gap 32 in the openposition and to engage the tree T in the closed position. As will bediscussed in further detail below, the tree securement mechanism 16 isconfigured to selectively pivot the jaws 30, 31 about the bolts 36 fromthe open position to the closed position until the engagement endportions 30B, 31B engage the tree. The sides of the tree T are clampedbetween the first and second jaws 30, 31, and the front and rear ends ofthe tree are clamped between the engagement end portions 30B, 31 B andthe rear end portion of the platform 14.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3B and 6, in a preferred embodiment, the jaws 30,31 are installed at different positions along the height of the treestand 10 to allow the jaws to close around the whole circumference ofthe tree T. In the illustrated embodiment, a first spacer 38 ispositioned between the first jaw 30 and the platform 14 and a secondspacer 39 is positioned between the second jaw 31 and the platform 14.The bolts 36 extend through the spacers 38, 39. Each of the spacers 38,39 has a height. In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the secondspacer 39 is taller than the height of the first spacer 38 by at leastthe height of the first jaw 30. As a result, the first and secondspacers 38, 39 position the second jaw 31 beneath the first jaw 30 whenthe tree securement mechanism 16 is closed as shown in FIG. 6. Theengagement end portions 30B, 31B of the first and second jaws 30, 31may, therefore, overlap one another in the closed position so that thetree securement mechanism may extend around the entire circumference ofthe tree T without the jaws interfering with each other. In addition,when the tree stand 10 is collapsed for storage and transport, the jaws30, 31 may overlie one another so that the tree stand is compact andlies flat.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3B, the tree securement mechanism 16 includes astrap assembly 40 configured to selectively impart a tension on the jaws30, 31 to pivot the jaws from the open position to the closed positionand thereby close the jaws around the tree T. In general, the suitablestrap assembly 40 will be operative to selectively impart a tensionbetween the tree T and the jaws 30, 31 to pivot the jaws closed. In apreferred embodiment, the strap assembly 40 will include at least threeend portions that form a generally Y-shaped configuration: a first endportion secured to the first jaw 30 and forming an end portion of onebranch of the Y-shaped configuration, a second end portion secured tothe second jaw 31 and forming an end portion of the other branch of theY-shaped configuration, and a third end portion secured to the tree Tand forming an end portion of the stem of the Y-shaped configuration.More specifically, the illustrated strap assembly 40 includes a pivotstrap 42, tensioning strap 44, and anchor strap 46 arranged in theY-shaped configuration. The pivot strap 42 includes first and second endportions 42A, 42B that are secured to the first and second jaws 30, 31,respectively, and form the branches of the Y-shaped configuration. Theanchor strap 46 is secured to the tree T, and the tensioning strap 44extends from the pivot strap 42 to the anchor strap 46 to form the stemof the Y-shaped configuration. Although the illustrated embodiment usesthe pivot strap 42, tensioning strap 44, and anchor strap 46, otherembodiments can use other arrangements of one or more straps withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the anchor strap 46 is configured to be mounted onthe tree T at a position spaced apart between the elevated position ofthe platform 14 and the ground. For example, the anchor strap 46 can bemounted on the tree by being looped around the tree and fastened toitself The anchor strap 46 is configured to provide a secure anchorpoint against the tree so that the tensioning strap 44 can impart atension between the anchor strap 46 and pivot strap 42 operative to pullthe pivot strap toward the front end portion of the platform 14.Moreover, the anchor strap 46 is preferably mounted on the tree T nearthe ground so that a user can access the strap assembly 40 to operatethe securement mechanism 16 while standing on the ground. Although theillustrated embodiment uses the anchor strap 46 as the anchor point onthe tree T, other embodiments can use other types of anchors (e.g.,screws that thread into the tree, etc.) without departing from the scopeof the invention.

The tensioning strap 44 is operatively connected to the anchor strap 46and pivot strap 42 to pull the pivot strap against the holding force ofthe tree T to move the jaws 30, 31 to the closed position. In theillustrated embodiment, a ratcheting tensioner 48 is connected by alength of strap 50 to the anchor strap 46 to selectively apply andmaintain a tension in the tensioning strap 44. Other types of tensioningmechanisms or tension retainers may be used to apply and/or maintain atension on the tensioning strap without departing from the scope of theinvention.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3B, the tensioning strap 44 extends from a first endportion 44A that is connected to the pivot strap 42 to a second endportion 44B that is received through the ratcheting tensioner 48. A topsegment of the tensioning strap 44 extends from a connection point withthe pivot strap 42 at the first end portion 44A to the strap routingmember 26, and a bottom segment of the strap extends from the straprouting member, through the ratcheting tensioner 48, and to the secondend portion 44B. In the illustrated embodiment, the top segment isoriented generally horizontally and the bottom segment is oriented morevertically. Moreover, the top segment extends from the first end 44A ina generally forward direction. After the tensioning strap 44 extendsthrough the channel 27 in the strap routing member 26, the bottomsegment extends downward and rearward toward the tree T to beoperatively received in the ratcheting tensioner 48.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-4, when the ratcheting tensioner 48 tensions thestrap 44, it imparts a first force F1 on the top segment of the strapbetween the pivot strap 42 and strap routing member 26 and a secondforce F2 on the bottom segment of the tensioning strap between the straprouting member and anchor strap 46. The first force F1 is orientedgenerally forward of the platform 14 and the second force F2 is orientedgenerally rearward and downward of the platform. The strap routingmember 26 is constructed to withstand a large amount of forces impartedthereupon as the tensioning strap 44 is tensioned. The strap routingmember 26, thus, redirects the orientation of the tensioning strap 44 sothat it can be anchored to the tree T. Since the tree securementmechanism 16 operates by engaging the jaws 30, 31 with the tree T, it isbelieved that likewise anchoring the strap assembly 40 on the tree maybe preferable to anchoring the strap assembly on the tree stand 10itself For example, an anchor point on the tree stand may experiencelarge forces during tensioning that could tend to cause the tree standto deform or buckle at the anchor point. Moreover, if a tree standbecomes damaged near an anchor point, tension in the strap assembly maybe lost, which could cause the tree securement mechanism 16 to lose itsgrip on the tree. By comparison, it is believed that the tree T is farless likely to become damaged as a result of tensioning forces impartedupon it by the tree securement mechanism 16.

As discussed above, the pivot strap 42 has a first end portion 42A, asecond end portion 42B, and a length extending between the first andsecond end portions. Referring to FIG. 4, the first end portion 42A isconnected to the first jaw 30 at a first attachment point, and thesecond end portion 42B is connected to the second jaw 31 at a secondattachment point. In the illustrated embodiment, the end portions 42A,42B of the pivot strap 42 are pivotally connected to the first andsecond jaws 30, 31. Each of the end portions 42A, 42B of the pivot strap42 is looped through a slot in a respective buckle 52A, 52B and securedto itself. Bolts 54A, 54B pivotably secure the buckle 52A, 52B to thejaws 30, 31 at the attachment points to allow the first and second pivotstrap end portions 42A, 42B to respectively pivot about third and fourthpivot axes P3, P4 (FIG. 5) that are coincident with the longitudinalaxes of the bolts. Other arrangements for attaching the pivot strap tothe jaws can also be used without departing from the scope of theinvention.

When the tensioning force F1 is imparted on the pivot strap 42, thefirst end portion 42A of the pivot strap imparts a force Fi on the jaw30 at the first attachment point and the second end portion 42B impartsa force Fii on the jaw 31 at the second attachment point (FIG. 4). Theforce Fi is oriented generally parallel to the length of the first endportion 42A of the pivot strap 42, and the force Fii is orientedgenerally parallel to the length of the second end portion 42B of thepivot strap. Referring to FIG. 5, as the first and second jaws 30, 31pivot about the first and second pivot axes P1, P2, the locations of thethird and fourth pivot axes P3, P4 rotate about the first and secondpivot axes P1, P2. At the same time, the first and second end portions42A, 42B of the pivot strap 42 pivot about the third and fourth pivotaxes. As a result the orientations of the forces Fi and Fii change asthe pivot strap 42 pulls the jaws 30, 31 closed.

The location of the attachment of the pivot strap 42 to the jaws 30, 31is selected to help prevent the jaws from opening if the tree stand 10were to tip away from the tree T in use. The first end portion 42A isattached to the first jaw 30 at an attachment point located along thelength of the first jaw between the pivoting end portion 30A and theengagement end portion 30B. The second end portion 42B is attached tothe second jaw 31 at an attachment point located along the length of thesecond jaw between the pivoting end portion 31A and the engagement endportion 31B. Preferably the attachment points are spaced apart betweenthe engagement end portions 30B, 31B of the jaws 30, 31 and the firstand second pivot axes P1, P2, respectively. In a tipping event, the treeT would impart forces on the engagement end portions 30B, 31B that wouldtend to open the jaws 30, 31 by pivoting them in an opening directionabout the pivot axes P1, P2. Because the engagement end portions 30B,31B of the jaws 30, 31 are spaced apart from the pivot axes P1, P2, thejaws act as lever arms, and the forces imparted on the engagement endportions in a tipping event would have a mechanical advantage. But sincethe strap assembly 40 imparts forces Fi, Fii on the jaws 30, 31 atlocations spaced apart from the pivot axes P1, P2 toward the engagementend portions 30B, 31B, the tension in the pivot strap 42 tends tocounteract and reduce the mechanical advantage during tipping. Thus, itis believed that attaching the strap assembly 40 between the pivot axesP1, P2 and the engagement end portions 30B, 31B provides more reliabletree securement than, for example, attaching the strap assembly toportions of jaws located on the opposite sides of the pivot axes fromthe engagement end portions. This is because it is easier to space theconnections of the strap assembly further from the pivot axes.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first end 44A of the tensioning strap44 is looped around the pivot strap 42 to slide along the length of thepivot strap. Although the illustrated embodiment uses a looped endportion 44A to slidably connect the tensioning strap to the pivot strap,it will be understood that other types of sliding connections can alsobe used without departing from the scope of the invention. When atension is imparted on the tensioning strap 44, the force F1 pulls acentral portion of the pivot strap 42 located between the first andsecond end portions 42A, 42B forward toward a front end of the platform14. This pulls the first end portion 42A and the second end portion 42Btoward the front end portion of the platform 14 to pivot the first jaw30 and the second jaw 31, respectively, from the open position towardthe closed position.

Advantageously, since the tensioning strap 44 is slidably secured to thepivot strap 42, it can slide along the length of the pivot strap to pulleach end portion 42A, 42B forward until both of the jaws 30, 31 engagethe tree T. This may be particularly useful when securing the jaws 30,31 to an irregularly shaped tree T. For example, the tensioning strap 44can initially impart a pulling force F1 on the pivot strap 42 thatpivots both of the jaws 30, 31 from the open position toward the closedposition. Once one of the jaws 30, 31 engages one side of the tree T(e.g., a side of an irregularly shaped tree that extends further outwardof a center axis centered between and perpendicular to the first andsecond pivot axes P1, P2 than an opposite side of the tree), furthertensioning of the tensioning strap 44 simultaneously pulls the pivotstrap 42 forward and causes the looped end 44A of the tensioning strapto slide along the length of the pivot strap. The looped end 44A of thetensioning strap 44 can automatically slide along the length of thepivot strap 42 to orient the tensioning strap so that the force F1 pullsthe respective end portion of the pivot strap to pivot the unengaged jawtoward engagement with the tree T. For example, in at least some cases,the looped end 44A of the tensioning strap 44 can slide along the lengthof the pivot strap 42 toward the unengaged jaw after the first of thejaws 30, 31 engages the tree. Thus, it can be seen that, by tensioningthe tensioning strap 44 to slide along the length of the pivot strap 42,the first and second jaws 30, 31 are positioned to grip an irregularlyshaped tree T in the closed position.

As discussed above, the tree securement mechanism 16 can comepreinstalled on the tree stand 10 or can be a retrofit installation. Forretrofit applications, before using the tree stand 10, the securementmechanism 16 can be installed. The jaws 30, 31 are preferably pivotablymounted on the rear end portion of the platform 14. In addition, thestrap routing member 26 can be installed on the front end portion of theplatform 14 if one is not already present. Then, the assembler threadspivot the strap 42 through the looped end portion 44A of the tensioningstrap 44 and pivotably mounts the first and second end portions 42A, 42Bon the first and second jaws, respectively.

To secure the tree stand 10 to a tree T using the securement mechanism16, the free end 44B of the tensioning strap 44 is threaded through thechannel 27 in the strap routing member 26. The user also mounts theanchor strap 46 and tensioner 48 on the tree T. With the jaws 30, 31 inthe open position, the user leans the tree stand 10 in the supportdirection S toward the tree T. The tree T passes through the gap 32between the open jaws 30, 31 until the rear end portion of the platform14 (e.g., teeth 24) engages the tree T. Before climbing the ladder 12,the user connects the free end portion 44B of the tensioning strap 44 tothe ratcheting tensioner and closes the jaws 30, 31 around the tree T.

While standing on the ground, the user actuates the tensioner 48 tocreate a tension in the tensioning strap 44 to close the jaws 30, 31. Atone end, the tensioning strap 44 pulls against the anchor strap 46secured to the tree, and at the other end the tensioning strap pullsagainst the pivot strap 42. The tensioning strap 44 imparts a force F1on the pivot strap 42 to pull the pivot strap forward of the platform14. As the tensioning strap 44 pulls the pivot strap 42 forward, thetensioning strap slides along the routing member 26. The pivot strap 42imparts a first force Fi on the first jaw 30 and a second force Fii onthe second jaw 31. The first force Fi causes the first jaw 30 to pivotfrom the open position toward the tree T, and the second force Fiicauses the second jaw 31 to pivot from the open position toward thetree. If the tree T has an irregular cross sectional shape, after onejaw has engaged the tree, the looped end portion 44A of the tensioningstrap 44 slides along the length of the pivot strap 42 as it travelsforward to pull the other jaw into contact with the tree. When the jaws30, 31 reach the closed position the holding forces Fi, Fii imparted onthe jaws by the pivot strap counteract opening forces imparted on thejaws by the tree in a tipping event.

As can be seen, the illustrated tree stand 10 includes a tree securementmechanism 16 that has several advantages. The tree securement mechanism16 allows a user to close the jaws 30, 31 around the tree T beforeclimbing the ladder 12. To prevent damage to the tree stand 10, thesecurement mechanism 16 closes the jaws 30, 31 using a tension that isimparted upon the tree T, rather than the ladder stand itself. If thesecurement mechanism 16 is used with an irregularly shaped tree, thesliding arrangement of the tensioning strap 44 ensures that both jaws30, 31 are pulled into gripping engagement with the tree T. And when thejaws 30, 31 secure the tree stand 10 to the tree T, the locations of theattachment points of the pivot strap 42 counteracts the leverage offorces imparted in the jaws by the tree in a tipping event.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferredembodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” areintended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements.

As various changes could be made in the above apparatuses, systems, andmethods without departing from the scope of the invention, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description and shown inthe accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and notin a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tree stand comprising: a ladder assembly; astructure secured to the ladder assembly configured to support anoccupant of the tree stand; a jaw assembly mounted on the structure, thejaw assembly including movable first and second jaws pivotally securedto the structure such that each of the first and second jaws is inwardlymovable to close the jaw assembly, the first and second jaws eachincluding a first end that is pivotably connected to the structure suchthat the first and second jaws are each pivotable in relation to thestructure about a single pivot axis, and a second, free end; and a strapassembly connected to the jaw assembly to move the first and second jawsinwardly upon the application of a closure force to the strap assembly,the jaw assembly and the strap assembly being configured and dimensionedsuch that the closure force is directed rearwardly away from the jawassembly and towards the ladder assembly, the strap assembly including:a first strap having a first end pivotably connected to the first jawand a second end pivotably connected to the second jaw such that thefirst strap pivots in relation to the first jaw and the second jaw uponapplication of the closure force to move the first and second jawsinwardly; and a second strap configured for engagement with the firststrap between the first and second ends, wherein the second strap isconfigured to be slidable along the first strap in closing the jawassembly.
 2. The tree stand of claim 1, wherein the first jaw includesfirst and second segments and the second jaw includes first and secondsegments, the second segments being angled in relation to the firstsegments such that the second segments extend inwardly towards oneanother.
 3. The tree stand of claim 1 further including a tensioneroperatively connected to the strap assembly to apply the closure forceto the strap assembly.
 4. The tree stand of claim 1 further including ananchor, the strap assembly extending between the jaw assembly and theanchor.
 5. The tree stand of claim 4 further including a routing memberconfigured and dimensioned to receive and redirect the strap assemblysuch that the strap assembly extends between the anchor and the jawassembly in a non-linear fashion.
 6. The tree stand of claim 5, whereinthe routing member defines an aperture configured and dimensioned toreceive the strap assembly.
 7. The tree stand of claim 1, wherein thesecond strap is directly connected to the first strap.
 8. The tree standof claim 1, wherein the second strap includes a loop, the first strappassing through the loop.
 9. The tree stand of claim 1, wherein thesecond strap extends in transverse relation to the first strap.
 10. Thetree stand of claim 9, wherein the first end of the first jaw ispivotally secured to the structure at a first pivot point, the first endof the second jaw is pivotally secured to the structure at a secondpivot point, the first end of the first strap is secured to the firstjaw at a third pivot point, and the second end of the first strap issecured to the second jaw at a fourth pivot point.
 11. The tree stand ofclaim 10, wherein the third and fourth pivot points are positionedradially outward of the first and second pivot points when the jawassembly is open.
 12. The tree stand of claim 1, wherein the structureincludes a platform, and a seat mounted on the platform.
 13. The treestand of claim 1, wherein the first end of the first jaw is pivotallysecured to the structure at a first pivot point, and the first end ofthe second jaw is pivotally secured to the structure at a second pivotpoint, wherein the first end of the first strap is connected to thefirst jaw between the first pivot point and the second end of the firstjaw, and the second end of the first strap is connected to the secondjaw between the second pivot point and the second end of the second jaw.14. A tree stand comprising: a structure configured to support anoccupant of the tree stand; a jaw assembly including a first jawincluding a first end pivotally connected to the structure at a firstpivot point and a free second end, and the second jaw including a firstend pivotally connected to the structure at a second pivot point and afree second end, wherein the first jaw includes a first segment and asecond segment extending fixedly from the first segment, and the secondjaw includes a first segment and a second segment extending fixedly fromthe first segment, the first and second segments of each jaw extendingat an angle such that the second segments extend inwardly towards oneanother; a first strap extending between the first and second jaws, thefirst strap including a first end portion pivotably connected to thefirst jaw between the first pivot point and the second end of the firstjaws and a second end portion pivotably connected to the second jawbetween the second pivot point and the second end of the second jaw suchthat the first strap pivots in relation to the first jaw and the secondjaw upon the application of a closure force to move the first and secondjaws inwardly; and a second strap connected to the first strap betweenthe first and second end portions such that the closure force is appliedto the first strap via the second strap, and wherein the second strap isconfigured to be slidable along the first strap in closing the jawassembly.
 15. The tree stand of claim 14, wherein the second strap isdirectly connected to the first strap.
 16. The tree stand of claim 14,wherein the second strap extends in transverse relation to the firststrap.
 17. The tree stand of claim 14, wherein the first end portion ofthe first strap is secured to the first jaw at a third pivot point, andthe second end portion of the first strap is secured to the second jawat a fourth pivot point.
 18. The tree stand of claim 17, wherein thethird and fourth pivot points are positioned radially outward of thefirst and second pivot points when the jaw assembly is open.
 19. Thetree stand of claim 14, wherein the structure includes a platform. 20.The tree stand of claim 19, wherein the structure further includes aseat mounted on the platform.
 21. A tree stand comprising: a structureconfigured to support an occupant of the tree stand; a jaw assemblyincluding a first jaw with a first end pivotally connected to thestructure at a first pivot point such that the first jaw is pivotable inrelation to the structure about a single pivot axis and a free secondend, and a second jaw with a first end pivotally connected to thestructure at a second pivot point such that the second jaw is pivotablein relation to the structure about a single pivot axis and a free secondend; a strap assembly connected to the jaw assembly such that the firstand second jaws are moved inwardly upon the application of a closureforce to the strap assembly in a direction transverse in relation to adirection of movement of the first and jaws during closure, the strapassembly including: a first strap having a first end portion pivotablysecured to the first jaw at a third pivot point and a second end portionpivotably secured to the second jaw at a fourth pivot point such thatthe first strap pivots in relation to the first jaw and the second jawupon application of the closure to move the first and second jawsinwardly, the third and fourth pivot points being positioned radiallyoutward of the first and second pivot points when the jaw assembly isopen; and a second strap extending transversely from the first strap; ananchor connected to the second strap such that the strap assemblyextends between the jaw assembly and the anchor; a tensioner operativelyconnected to the strap assembly to apply the closure force to the strapassembly; and a routing member configured and dimensioned to receive andredirect the strap assembly such that the strap assembly extends betweenthe anchor and the jaw assembly in a non-linear fashion.
 22. The treestand of claim 21, wherein the structure includes a platform, and a seatmounted on the platform.
 23. The tree stand of claim 21, wherein thethird pivot point is located between the first pivot point and thesecond end of the first jaw, and the fourth pivot point is locatedbetween the second pivot point and the second end of the second jaw.